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Slade James
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Grumpy Bear: A Bear Camp Novel Kindle Edition

by Slade James (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 1,187 ratings

Hooking up with an employee is not on my to-do list.

Making sure other men have a good time is my business, even if it means suppressing my own desires. It’s opening weekend at my clothing-optional campground, guests are starting to arrive, and I’ve got a pool party and a few hundred peoples’ vacations to save while battling Mother Nature’s tantrums.

The last thing I need is a temporary employee who can’t even put up a tent.

Luke Cody’s not my type. He’s too young, too pretty, and too much like my late partner. Another flaky musician? No thanks. But when a storm blows down his campsite, I can’t just leave him outside and soaked to the bone. Now he’s staying in my cabin, sleeping in my bed, and worst of all, he’s completely ignoring the proverbial sign over my head that says Grumpy Bear: Do Not Approach.

I’m not quite as immune to his charms as I want him to believe, but he’ll only be here for a few days.

Nothing’s going to happen…

Grumpy Bear is a boss/employee, grumpy/sunshine romance set at a gay campground full of bears. (Not shifters; the other kind of bears.) It’s the first full-length book in the Bear Camp series and can be read as a standalone.

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  1. Print length
    279 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    January 28, 2021
  4. File size
    2.4 MB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08PDQVDN7
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independent
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 28, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.4 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 279 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 1,187 ratings

About the author

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Slade James

Slade James

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One summer, not so long ago, Slade James started writing gay romance, turned fifty, and met the love his life. (In that order, in a matter of weeks!)

Slade and his partner, Steven, live in a magical land in the American Southeast where three states converge. They call it “GeorBamaSee." They can be found playing disc golf in the parks, hiking in the mountains, kayaking in the creeks, and living in their own real life love story.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
1,187 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book delightful and engaging, with a well-written story and believable character development, particularly enjoying the banter between Coleman and Luke. The romance is romantic and sweet, while the book takes readers through various emotions with just a smidge of angst. Customers appreciate the writing style, with one noting the author's uncanny ability to describe places and scenes, and the humor throughout the book.

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50 customers mention "Enjoyment"50 positive0 negative

Customers find the book delightful and worth their time, appreciating its fun concept. One customer notes it provides a refreshing break from the monotony of the genre.

"...This was a cute story that was well-written and held my attention, something that’s hard to do. I’m glad I took someone’s recommendation to read it...." Read more

"...This was such a fun and sweet story and I thoroughly enjoyed it...." Read more

"This one had it all: soulmates, love, laughter, and raunchy fun!..." Read more

"...Such a wild ride. Both of them falling but fighting it. Not wanting to repeat the mistakes and heartache of the past...." Read more

39 customers mention "Story quality"39 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, finding it well written with believable plot lines and describing it as a sweet read.

"...From the first few pages, I like the writing, the thread of the story, the characters (MCs and support) and by the end, I cried when the MCs cried,..." Read more

"...Bear Camp was as unexpected as it was enjoyable. This was a cute story that was well-written and held my attention, something that’s hard to do...." Read more

"...It was beautifully done!..." Read more

"...This was such a fun and sweet story and I thoroughly enjoyed it...." Read more

37 customers mention "Character development"37 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's characters, particularly Coleman and Luke, and appreciate the banter between them.

"...The camp grounds came alive to me and the characters are very real. I fell in love with both MCs and Austin and Jim...." Read more

"...I fell in love with ALL of the characters, and Slade James does a phenomenal job capturing the queer experiences of ALL of these various men within..." Read more

"...Grumpy Bear is a flat out camp adventure, filled with colorful characters galore and a wonderful world building...." Read more

"...The writing, story-building, and characters are all done so perfectly! 10 out of 10, definitely recommend." Read more

37 customers mention "Romance"37 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, describing it as sweet and sexy.

"...Everything come together very organically, the romance is very real, and the writing just carries the reader so smoothly along...." Read more

"...I think that Slade James also does a PHENOMENAL job with the sex scenes in this novel... my only complaint is that I wanted MORE...." Read more

"...I loved reading this romance and will definitely read additional titles by Slade James!" Read more

"...The imagery in this book was great! I really want to go and hang out at the oasis that is Bear Camp...." Read more

18 customers mention "Heartwarming"18 positive0 negative

Customers find the book heartwarming, taking them through various emotions, with one customer mentioning it made them cry happy tears.

"...I was crying happy tears. The camp grounds came alive to me and the characters are very real...." Read more

"...Definitely worth it. Low angst. Lots of smiles." Read more

"...I was so happy there was minimal angst and lots of heat, along with swoony romance...." Read more

"...I love the romance, the passion and the tenderness! This is precisely the story we need at this moment! Thank you so very much!..." Read more

17 customers mention "Writing style"17 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, with one customer noting the author's uncanny ability to describe places and scenes, while another highlights the wonderful geeky references.

"...From the first few pages, I like the writing, the thread of the story, the characters (MCs and support) and by the end, I cried when the MCs cried,..." Read more

"...This was a cute story that was well-written and held my attention, something that’s hard to do. I’m glad I took someone’s recommendation to read it...." Read more

"...Amazing concept, I've never read anything specifically like this. It's hilarious and I really liked the vibe!..." Read more

"...I really found the author's writing style and primary construct (a clothing-optional, gay men's campground) to be quite refreshing for the MM genre...." Read more

13 customers mention "Humor"13 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book, with one mentioning the fun dialogue and another appreciating the snark.

"...There's so much humor, wit, sweetness, and such romance! I whole heartedly recommend this book." Read more

"...a kid, but the author completely transported me with his words and humor and wit...." Read more

"This one had it all: soulmates, love, laughter, and raunchy fun!..." Read more

"...Amazing concept, I've never read anything specifically like this. It's hilarious and I really liked the vibe!..." Read more

11 customers mention "Authenticity"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate that the book is told in an authentic voice.

"...(fantasy fuel already) that's well-imagined, specific, and believable. You can imagine yourself there...." Read more

"...Everything about Bear Camp and its “chosen family” felt genuine and authentic - especially the comfortable banter between friends...." Read more

"...I love how REAL all of the characters were. They had real bodies that were praised for being padded and hairy...." Read more

"...the time, but I also think it’s good for characters to be relatable and real...." Read more

Grumpy/Sunshine!
4 out of 5 stars
Grumpy/Sunshine!
This is book 1 in Slade James’s Bear Camp series. There’s a prequel, The Uncut Wood, that I didn’t discover until after I read this. There’s not really any spoilers either direction (other than the couples end up together – but this is romance!) so it worked out. After a couple of stressful days I needed something happy and sweet and fun. This was the perfect book at the perfect time. Lots of my favorite tropes: grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, workplace romance – specifically boss/employee, age gap. Instalove is not usually my thing, but I felt a stronger connection between Luke & Coleman in a few days than I have in many books spanning months. 27-year-old Luke Cody is at the end of his options, bank account, and literally the road. He hitches a ride with the promise of a few days of work at a (clothing optional) campground where he encounters the grumpiest of Bears, forty-year-old Coleman Sawyer. I admit, I love grumpy guys who stay mostly grumpy despite falling in love and Coleman was this 100%. While he softens a bit for Luke, he is who he is. Despite being different in so many ways, these two were perfect for each other. The secondary characters are also dynamic and a lot of fun. I can’t wait to read their stories. Bear Camp is a character unto itself and a wonderful one at that. An institution in all the best ways – it provides a sense of home and family for those who visit for a weekend, a Summer, or live there year round. Fairly low angst, sexy, hilarious, sweet, and a bit growly plus a sweet epilogue – this was a fantastic read.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Zizawah
    5.0 out of 5 stars Incredibly enjoyable and moving
    Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I saw several people recommended this book on Facebook. I decided to try it even though I'm not a fan of camping or contemporary stories typically.

    From the first few pages, I like the writing, the thread of the story, the characters (MCs and support) and by the end, I cried when the MCs cried, I hurt when they hurt (and this is NOT an angst filled book). I was crying happy tears.

    The camp grounds came alive to me and the characters are very real. I fell in love with both MCs and Austin and Jim. Everything come together very organically, the romance is very real, and the writing just carries the reader so smoothly along.

    There's so much humor, wit, sweetness, and such romance! I whole heartedly recommend this book.
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  • VO HOUSEHOLD
    4.0 out of 5 stars Highly Unexpected and Enjoyable
    Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This is not a story that I would typically choose to read. In fact, the back cover copy was definitely not something that made me go, “Yes, read that.” Bear Camp was as unexpected as it was enjoyable. This was a cute story that was well-written and held my attention, something that’s hard to do. I’m glad I took someone’s recommendation to read it. Definitely worth it. Low angst. Lots of smiles.
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  • Brandon Scott
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best Queer Erotic Series I've Read!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I ADORED THIS NOVEL! I took my sweet time reading it, too, because I truly didn't want it to end. I fell in love with ALL of the characters, and Slade James does a phenomenal job capturing the queer experiences of ALL of these various men within the story. It was beautifully done! I was shipping the two leads IMMEDIATELY, so I didn't mind the insta-love that many people complain about with romance novels... plus, a lot of time in queer relationships... things go down EXACTLY like this! I think that Slade James also does a PHENOMENAL job with the sex scenes in this novel... my only complaint is that I wanted MORE. We had one REALLY good sex scene that expanded a few chapters, and then we had on smaller sex scene that was just as steamy... but not nearly long enough for what I wanted. I also was DYING for another scene at the end of the novel because of the ultimate BUILD-UP of passion. However, I'm SO looking forward to reading Slade James other works! I've already read The Uncut Wood, The Day Pass, and NOW Grumpy Bear! I'm currently reading The Cubby Hole, and I'm going to HATE finishing it because it means I'll have to WAIT for James' next release! Overall, you should check out this series, it's probably the best romance book series I've ever read!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Guardian_angel54
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gotta love naked Bears
    Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I wasn't sure how this book was going to go when I decided to preorder it, but it definitely exceeded all my expectations. Grumpy Bear is a flat out camp adventure, filled with colorful characters galore and a wonderful world building. Maybe it was partly spurred by memories of summer camps when I was a kid, but the author completely transported me with his words and humor and wit. I found myself immersed in a forest sea of (mostly) naked Bears and hanging out with an engaging cast of sassy, glittery, over-the-top men that you can't help but fall in love with. Seriously, every spectrum of the gay rainbow is represented and I loved the diversity and glimpses that are often overshadowed by stereotypical representation. Coleman and Luke are total opposites in their outlook and attitudes, but that just makes it all the more sweeter when they start to find common ground and eventually come together. This was such a fun and sweet story and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Make sure you get the free epilogue and The Uncut Wood bonus by signing up for the author's newsletter. They are like dessert after the perfect dinner and have left me achingly waiting for the next book in the series. Slade James was a new-to-me author but one that I'll definitely be visiting in the future. 5* solid stars!
    8 people found this helpful
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  • T. CH
    4.0 out of 5 stars Loved this!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This one had it all: soulmates, love, laughter, and raunchy fun! Luke and Coleman fell in love insta-fast while working together and sharing their pasts, thoughts and dreams. In the midst of it all they found one another along with a passion to sustain them forever. This was about so many things but essentially it was about burning away the dreams of the past to embrace a once in a lifetime love for a shared future. I loved reading this romance and will definitely read additional titles by Slade James!
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  • Kacy Alcox
    5.0 out of 5 stars Really loved this
    Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I absolutely enjoyed this one!
    It took a while for me to get around to reading it and I'm glad I did!
    Such a wild ride. Both of them falling but fighting it. Not wanting to repeat the mistakes and heartache of the past. I'm glad they could come back together and be happy in their little slice of Bear Camp.

    Amazing concept, I've never read anything specifically like this. It's hilarious and I really liked the vibe! Can't wait to read more about these massive Bear men. 😍
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  • BettyBoo97
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love Me Some Bears
    Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    If you're looking for a good M/M book to read that includes bears, this is the one for you! A lonely bear and a wandering musician find their way into a single room cabin together and eventually get together physically. They were working on the emotional and mental bonds before that, though those really cemented after they were together too.
    I love the background stories that were built into the characters and that they were fully shared - that doesn't always happen!
    If you're looking for a book with a lot of spice, this is not for you. It's like a 2.5 out of 5, and that's being nice. It does describe some things but it's more of like a clinical observation, if that makes sense.
    The writing, story-building, and characters are all done so perfectly! 10 out of 10, definitely recommend.
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  • Katie (readsomemorekatie)
    3.0 out of 5 stars Who doesn't want to go to Bear Camp?
    Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This was a fun, campy (pun intended), quick read that was chosen by my book club for March.

    The imagery in this book was great! I really want to go and hang out at the oasis that is Bear Camp. I enjoyed this book but didn't really feel a deep connection to the characters, except maybe Jim because I too love a good caftan, so that is the reason for my three star rating.

    This would be a great easy weekend read on the beach or while camping.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Tine
    5.0 out of 5 stars Please read this. It’s extraordinary!
    Reviewed in Australia on December 30, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This book is amazing! I waited a year to write their review because I’ve revisited Bear Camp to many times to count. It’s funny, brilliant, incredible and the most highlighted book in my library. You’ll love Coleman Sawyer and Luke Cody. Their path to love is perfection!
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  • CM
    5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended!
    Reviewed in Canada on July 22, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The characters were very believable and the setting it was great. I could actually picture the whole camp in my minds eye. I Really enjoyed the writing style and the development of characters. Really heartfelt story as well. This is an author I'm going to be paying attention to for sure.
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  • Butt
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this book
    Reviewed in Germany on July 14, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The story is cute but also pretty hot and sweet its all you would want from the grumpy bear to the cute Surfer cowboy
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  • ceejay
    5.0 out of 5 stars refreshing and new
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 10, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I read "Uncut Wood", which set the scene for this clothing optional holiday camp. It was brilliant so I went straight onto this book.

    Fun, warm story of a holiday romance that turns into so much more, in a fab setting of hunky mostly naked men having sexy times at a campground with optional dress code.

    The style and substance of the book was new and fun to read, but still some angst in the main characters past experiences, which coloured their reactions to each other.

    Grumpy bear Sawyer and the Sunshine boy Luke meet as Luke comes to work at Sawyer's Campground and mostly get off to a bad start, but they mellow to each other as the book progresses. There is Sawyer's found family which become Luke's as well, and supporting cast eg Jim, Austen and the lumber jacks - Hank and Gunner from the prequel. Uncut wood indeed.

    These books have been lovely to read and I look forward to more from Bear Camp. A bit of an age gap, grumpy/sunshine characters and a campground of hot and horny men, just the thing to cheer anyone up.
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  • Rachael
    4.0 out of 5 stars Such a fun read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 31, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This book was my first by Slade James and it definitely won’t be my last. The humour in the writing is just brilliant and I love all of the characters, both the main ones and the fabulous secondary ones.
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